The Deep Dish Dilemma: How Many Giordano's Can One Windy City Handle?
Ah, Chicago. City of broad shoulders, brutal winters, and, of course, the undisputed king of deep dish pizza: Giordano's. But with its cheesy, gooey goodness comes a burning question that has plagued tourists and locals alike: just how many Giordano's are there in Chicago?
A Quest for Crust: Unveiling the Numbers
Here's where things get a little hazy, folks. Like trying to navigate a maze after a few too many slices (don't judge, it happens). According to internet rumor mills (a very reliable source, obviously), there used to be a staggering 13 Giordanos just within the city limits. That's enough deep dish to build a moat around Lake Michigan, and probably feed a small army of hungry hippos.
The Great Giordano's Expansion: It Wasn't Just Chicago Anymore
But Giordano's, bless their cheesy hearts, didn't stop there. They embarked on a glorious mission to spread the gospel of deep dish, venturing into the suburbs and beyond. Now, we're talking about a sprawl that would make even a seasoned pizza delivery driver whimper. We're talking 40+ locations in the greater Chicago area, each one a beacon of buttery, tomatoey goodness.
But Wait, There's More! (Because There Always Is With Pizza)
Now, here's where things get interesting. The legend of Giordano's isn't confined to the Windy City. There are rogue deep dish outposts scattered across the nation, like secret pizza societies. We're talking Florida, Indiana, Iowa, and even a valiant attempt to conquer Omaha (spoiler alert: it didn't quite work out).
So, the Final Tally? It Depends on How Deep You Dig (Literally and Figuratively)
So, the answer to our initial question? It depends on how deep you dig (both literally, into that extra-thick crust, and figuratively, into the internet). A safe estimate for Chicago itself is somewhere around 10-15 locations. But for the greater sprawl and those sneaky out-of-state ventures, we're looking at over 50.
The Important Takeaway: There's Probably a Giordano's Near You (and Thank Goodness)
Here's the real takeaway, folks: no matter where you are in Chicago (or surprisingly, in a few other lucky locations), there's a good chance a Giordano's awaits. So grab your stretchy pants, silence your inner cardiologist, and prepare to embark on a deep dish odyssey.